Athletics News

CHICAGO – The UIC Athletic department has announced the signing of a three-year partnership with locally-owned Beggar’s Pizza. As part of the agreement, students will receive a free slice of pizza following every men’s home basketball game.

“We are excited to add a well-established, family-owned franchise like Beggar’s Pizza to our corporate partner program at UIC Athletics,” said Director of Corporate Partnerships Patrick Cogan. “We welcome them to the Flames family and look forward to a successful partnership.”

"It is an exciting opportunity for Beggar's Pizza to tie in with a successful athletic organization such as UIC," general manager Angelo Garetto said. "It is a chance to expand our brand through the students at the university, also through the athletic events throughout the year.”

Beggar’s Pizza was established in 1976 by Garetto’s grandfather, Angelo, who turned an old Sinclair gas station into a neighborhood pizzeria. It has since expanded to 22 locations throughout the Chicagoland area, including Chicago’s West Loop neighborhood at 310 South Clinton near UIC’s east campus.

“Personally, I love working with UIC students, as I often hire them at the restaurant, so a chance to get further involved with the school and athletics is an opportunity we could not pass up,” added Garetto.